I know I originally posted my intentions to have the next book ready by this month. While I’m definitely approaching the end of the first draft, it is sadly just that. It’s still in dire need of an edit. So while I’m changing my focus on finishing the first draft by the end of June, it’s pretty clear the book won’t be ready for release any time soon. Instead of throwing out another date and explaining why I missed it, I’m instead going to say I’m shooting to have it out be the end of this year. While that may seem like a long time off, the entire month of November will be occupied by NaNoWriMo (still trying to decide which project to work on for it), and I’ll be simultaneously writing World of Shadows Part I (you know, that book I wanted to have out shortly after releasing The Shadow Within). The good news there is I’ve actually made some progress on it lately, and there’s only a handful of chapters left before the first draft is done. So if all goes well, I could realistically have both books ready to go by the end of the year. In that respect, I suppose it’d mirror 2012 release schedule.

Because I love making lists (and I was kicking myself over taking so long on this book), I looked up the original publication dates for my previous releases. They are as follows:

Put in that context, I suppose I’m not doing too poorly. In 2 1/2 years, I released six books, spanning three different series (assuming I ever get around to turning Ascension into a trilogy). 2011 was my most productive year, but that was helped by the fact I had already finished Ascension and The Four-Year-Old Guardian and was shopping around for an agent when I decided I no longer wanted to play that game.

So while I’m lamenting the fact I still don’t have The Blood Contract ready to go, I must admit I’m rather proud of what I’ve accomplished. Considering I have a full-time job, a family, and other time-consuming hobbies (I’m looking at you, PS3 and guitar), I’ll take my victories where I can.